And in March five people were killed when Khalid Masood ploughed a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

The attacks led to increased security measures at the Blyth Regatta, with more armed police on patrol and concrete barriers erected to protect families.

But defiant families refused to be scared away from enjoying themselves at Blyth Quayside and organisers estimated more than 25,000 people turned out over Saturday and Sunday.

The event was billed as a small legacy event of the much larger “Tall Ships Regatta” hosted by Blyth in the summer of 2016.

Ocean Youth Trust North (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Tall ships were on show and there was a celebration of Blyth’s maritime heritage, alongside a funfair and live music.

And some ships flew their sails at half mast in honour of those killed in Saturday’s London attacks.

Event organiser Paul Taylor said: “We have had a good flow of people coming down on Sunday, recent events have had no impact at all. It sent out a really positive message and we had lots of families here all enjoying the day.

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“We had no trouble at all, the atmosphere was brilliant. Everyone pulled together to put on a fantastic event and it has been great for Blyth. The entire town has been on a high.

“It was really positive. The armed police were fantastic, engaging with the public and posing for pictures with children. It sent out a reassuring message and the Regatta was really positive for Blyth.”